The Oklahoma City University Holiday Spectacular dance show will be the inaugural performance for the newly forged Star Dance Company of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance & Entertainment.
Performances will occur Dec. 8-11, with performances on the 8th, 9th, and 10th happening at 8 p.m., and performances happening on the 10th and 11th being matinee showings at 2 p.m.
The performances will take place in the Kirkpatrick Theatre in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Building. Tickets for the performance are available for $25 at www.okcu.edu/tickets or at (405) 208-5227.
The American Spirit Dance Company is being retired in honor of recently retired Dance Chair Jo Rowan, who cofounded it, as well as the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, with former Dean John Bedford.
The Star Dance Company, however, will debut in its first season, continuing to give students an opportunity to perform and manage live-action productions under the direction of Tiffany van der Merwe.
Junior Dance Performance major Chloe Collins said that rehearsals began, “in early September along with our Rep Company rehearsals.”
Collins said that “one of the biggest struggles of putting any show together is keeping your mind and body healthy.”
She went on saying that, “There are many different contributors that are out of our control when it comes to keeping ourselves healthy, but as a performer in the show, it is my job to do this to the best of my abilities so I can be one of the many puzzle pieces that makes this amazing production possible.”
When asked about rehearsals this year versus last year, Collins said that, “There have been many exciting changes this year. The overall morale and energy has been so positive and inviting. Something about not having to wear a mask and getting to see our classmates’ beautiful smiles is such a blessing.”
She explained another element that had been affected was that the dancers, “had the opportunity to have more rehearsal time for each dance, due to having a shorter show,” adding that, “we are all so excited to see it all come together on the big stage!”
Collins remarked on the change from the American Spirit Dance Company to the Star Dance Company as well, saying that, “overall, it has been a very smooth transition between our fearless leaders.”
Collins said that, “the Star Dance Company continues to maintain the wonderful values that were put into place with the American Spirit Dance Company, while emphasizing new growth and showing us all how exciting change can be.
“I am so honored to be a part of this new company and to see how it impacts future performers to come.”
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